The path of Polish-born, Aotearoa-based artist Julia Krystyna has always been guided by creativity. With a degree in economics, a decade-long career as a chef, and a more recent passion for her work as a gardener, Julia isn’t afraid to look for the canvas in all walks of life. Holly Bennett discovers more about her upcoming August exhibition at The Button Factory.
For Julia, art isn’t confined to one form. It flows through every day, shaping how she works, moves and sees the world.
Raised in a household where creativity was woven into the heart of all things, Julia’s father was an abstract painter, sculptor, and woodworker, while her mother found expression through movement and imaginative play — a taste which Julia inherited in her passion for the aerial acrobatics and the circus community.
“Surrounded by that energy, I’ve stayed connected to art throughout my life, using creativity as a way to make sense of the world,” says Julia.
The idea for Pareidolia unfolded intuitively while she was deep in the painting process.
“I often work from instinct; when something feels right, I trust it,” she explains. “It wasn’t until partway through that I discovered the word pareidolia for the first time. I looked it up, and the definition — seeing patterns or meaning in random shapes — struck a deep chord. It gave language to what I’d already been creating.”
Pareidolia refers to the psychological phenomenon where the mind connects random shapes or patterns to images that feel familiar. For Julia, the concept feels deeply personal.
“The images we see often reflect what we’ve been exposed to and hold onto most. It’s an artful lesson in perception; showing how memory, identity, and experience shape what we think we see.”
The exhibition features a series of abstract paintings and hand sculpted lamps. Julia created the richly textured paintings with mixed media and acrylic paint, layering them to produce vibrant moulded forms, intricate details and inventive dot work.
“I don’t try to control what emerges,” adds Julia. “I leave space for the viewer’s imagination to complete the picture.”
The lamps follow a similar open-ended approach. Made from soft fabrics, adorned with long tassels and subtle embellishments, each piece invites personal interpretation.
“Some people see a flower, others see feminine forms,” says Julia. “What is fascinating is how looking reveals as much about the viewer as it does about the work.”
Opening night this August 2 promises to be a uniquely immersive experience where guests can expect atmospheric music, visual delights and bespoke cocktails.
Attendees will also receive cards upon arrival inviting them to view Julia’s work through different lenses. Live activation ‘Living Sculptures’ will act as surreal guides throughout the space, gently guiding attendees into the world of pareidolia. All aspects are designed to invite presence, perception, and playful exploration.
Gallery Opening Immersive Experience:
Saturday, 2 August, from 6pm, for more info visit thebuttonfactory.co.nz
Gallery Opening Hours:
4-29 August, every Monday-Friday, 12-5pm
The Button Factory, 2 Abbey Street, Auckland Central
